When fibroblasts are added to a fibrin gel, the cells rapidly compact the gel and produce a fiber alignment pattern that depends in part on the cell traction forces, gel geometry, and gel mechanical constraints [1]. Over time the fibrin is digested and replaced with cell synthesized collagen and other extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins that follow the initial alignment pattern of the gel [2]. This remodeling process proceeds in a complex and integrated manner that is influenced by the mechanical environment [3]. In order to better understand fibroblast-fibrin interactions and the remodeling process, we obtained time-lapse images of the development of fiber alignment between clusters of dermal fibroblasts (i.e., explants) in a fibrin gel. The experimental results were then compared to a model that incorporated the effects of traction forces on ECM reorganization.
- Bioengineering Division
Fibroblast-Mediated Fiber Realignment in Fibrin Gels
De Jesus, AM, Aghvami, M, & Sander, EA. "Fibroblast-Mediated Fiber Realignment in Fibrin Gels." Proceedings of the ASME 2013 Summer Bioengineering Conference. Volume 1B: Extremity; Fluid Mechanics; Gait; Growth, Remodeling, and Repair; Heart Valves; Injury Biomechanics; Mechanotransduction and Sub-Cellular Biophysics; MultiScale Biotransport; Muscle, Tendon and Ligament; Musculoskeletal Devices; Multiscale Mechanics; Thermal Medicine; Ocular Biomechanics; Pediatric Hemodynamics; Pericellular Phenomena; Tissue Mechanics; Biotransport Design and Devices; Spine; Stent Device Hemodynamics; Vascular Solid Mechanics; Student Paper and Design Competitions. Sunriver, Oregon, USA. June 26–29, 2013. V01BT41A003. ASME. https://doi.org/10.1115/SBC2013-14385
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